New York Nears Overtaking California as Top U.S. Film and TV Production Hub
New York is rapidly closing the gap with California for the top U.S. film and TV production spot, with production spend surging 87% in the latest quarter to $1.61 billion, compared to California's 17% increase to $1.76 billion. The Empire State's growth is driven by expanded soundstage infrastructure, a large union base, and access to Tri-State locations, while California faces ongoing challenges from studio relocations and high-profile project defections.
Key points
- New York's production spend surged 87% to $1.61 billion in the latest quarter, compared to California's 17% increase to $1.76 billion, according to ProdPro.
- New York's soundstage inventory has grown 43% since 2020, driven by a boom in purpose-built facilities, per CBRE.
- California's production spending rose 17% in the quarter, with 80 live-action film and TV projects shot in the state, per ProdPro.
- New York is hosting major scripted TV shows like 'CIA,' 'FBI,' and 'Elsbeth' (CBS), as well as 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' (NBC), and films like 'Protective Custody' (Apple TV) and 'Deep Cuts' (A24).
- California is facing high-profile defections, including 'American Idol' moving production to Atlanta, and the state is working to reduce red tape and curb production flight.
Background
This shift in production centers follows a broader trend of studios and productions relocating away from California due to high costs, labor disputes, and political tensions. The 2026 WalletHub Safety Report ranked California near the bottom for personal safety, which may contribute to the state's declining appeal for productions. Additionally, the 2026 Global Retirement Index highlighted Uruguay as the top retirement destination, reflecting a broader trend of people and businesses seeking more favorable environments outside traditional hubs. The 2027 U.S. News & World Report college rankings showed MIT overtaking Princeton, indicating a shift in top-tier institutions, which may parallel the shift in production hubs. The 2026 50 Best Bars list saw Paris overtake London, suggesting a broader trend of European and non-traditional hubs gaining prominence in various industries.
Why it matters
The shift in production centers from California to New York and other states has significant implications for the entertainment industry, including job creation, economic growth, and the distribution of production resources. It also reflects broader trends in the industry, such as the increasing importance of infrastructure, labor costs, and political stability in determining production locations. The shift may also impact the cultural and economic landscape of both states, with New York gaining prominence as a production hub and California facing challenges in retaining its status as the top production state.
What to watch
The next quarter will be critical in determining whether New York overtakes California as the top U.S. production hub. California's efforts to reduce red tape and curb production flight will be closely watched, as will New York's continued growth in soundstage infrastructure and production spend. The federal film and TV tax credit may also play a role in shaping the future of production locations, potentially boosting states outside the top five major hubs.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The Hollywood Reporter